Tumi’s “Biggest Loser” fit tips

Now that she’s lost half of her body weight, Tumi Oguntala, the Clifton Park woman who made it through 11 weeks as a contestant on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” has her eye on the next goal: transitioning to a normal life.

The old Tumi who weighed 319 pounds day one at the ranch

“This is one of the most exciting things that’s ever happened to me,” she says.

But when the cameras are gone and weight loss is no longer a full-time job, she will need to find a way to work it in, she says. Instead of waking at 3:30 a.m., she can sleep till 5. She can move from 3-hour workouts to a more normal one and a half hours.

She plans to register for her first marathon and will always keep a race on the calendar to maintain her running.

And she and her fiance, who has lost weight himself since Oguntala has been back home, will look for diets and cookbooks to support their new lifestyle.

“I’m a planner,” she says. “And it helps to keep your mind excited about the next frontier.”

Tumi shares the routine she’s been following since coming home to the Capital Region:

“After what I’ve been fortunate to learn at the ‘Biggest Loser’ ranch, I’ve adopted the following patterns to help me maintain my results.

1. “I get my workout in at the beginning of my day. It starts my day off with success, and while I may regret not getting a workout in, I’ll never regret waking up to work out.

2. “ I let my nutrition do the heavy lifting to reach my weight-loss goals. At the ranch, I could exercise 6-10 hours a day, but in real life (outside the ranch), I need to let my nutrition do the work for me more than the exercise.

3. “I stay moving to take the pressure off my workouts. I always keep a foot pedal machine under my desk and a fit desk in my office, to ensure I can stay moving all day. Even burning 1 or 2 more calories per minute can make a big difference, and reduces the work you need in your morning or evening workouts.

5. “I plan for snacks. In my old life, snacks were impulsive treats I purchased at convenience stores on my way to and from work, and I usually ate in private. Planning for snacks satisfies your sweet tooth, but allows you to be more thoughtful about your snack choices. You might even consider making your own junk food. Potato chips from the store are great, but learning to make your own junk food can make the treats more special, and you’ll know exactly what’s in them.

6.“I plan to always have a ‘finale’ on the calendar in my life. ‘The Biggest Loser’ last weigh-in is the ultimate finale inspiration, but always having a fitness event like 5Ks, half-marathons, marathons or triathlons on the calendar, helps you stay motivated and keep the mindset of an athlete.”

If you would like to participate in a Biggest Loser run/walk event click here. Unfortunately, there are no events in our immediate area. However, there are upcoming events in Plattsburgh, Buffalo, New Jersey and New York City.

(Story by Tracy Ormsbee, Senior Editor Times Union)

What are some of your best tips for losing weight and staying on track?

I love you Tumi!!! I’ve gained 70 lbs since last we saw each other. After breat cancer and kidney cancer, diverticulitis disease and IBS, I find myself desperate to lose this weight. Have had a gastric band in place for over 3 years but just can’t seem to get the hang of it. You’ve truly inspired me and after seeing what you’ve accomplished, I believe I’m on the right path. Thank you, dear friend!!!!